In the restoration period a lot of changes were happening to Europe, especially England. As Charles II took the throne in 1660, Great Britain was changing rapidly as culture began to evolve. There was a major political and cultural upheaval as a result of the cultural shift. In 1660 Charles II was restored to the throne and one order of his business was to reopen theaters that were closed down some time before. Change once again happened when England and Scotland were united after a forty-seven year split and became one nation known as Great Britain.
Many monarchs of the time period followed the path of "enlightened absolutism". This method helped to foster the belief in government reforms that applied to the social aspects of society.
Religious History:
Religiously this time was very turbulent also. The enlightenment hit the church between the eyes:
"The enlightenment, as the 18th century is most frequently termed, should be considered, first of all, as a continuation of the preceding century, with its spectacular advances in science and faith, based on these advances, in the powers of the human mind. On this accord the two centuries are often coupled together as the "Age of Reason"...Among the enlightened, religion was reduced to the easy commitments of deism, which assured that God was the supreme rationalist who inoculates morals as mathematicians established their postulates. Institutionalized religions were criticized for their dogmas and their superstition. God receded into the background while individual reason and conscience stepped forward." Because reason was regarded over faith the whole religious realm changed for England and this brought on new styles of writing and new ideas for literature.
Social History:
Theatres reopened after having been closed during the protectorship of Oliver Cromwell, Puritanism lost its momentum, and the bawdy 'Restoration comedy' became a recognizable genre. In addition, women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time. In Scotland, Episcopacy was reinstated.To celebrate the occasion and cement their diplomatic relations, the Dutch Republic presented Charles with the Dutch Gift, a fine collection of old master paintings, classical sculptures, furniture, and a yacht. Because of the change in culture and politics, the literature of this time also changed due to the change of target audience. Becoming more involved in industry, the target audience of literature changed. More and more people from the lower classs began to read Literature was not just brain candy for the high society mind, but the common folk had also become literate and began to read the same literature that was once considered too high class for them.
Social status was still by social standing and heredity instead of wealth. This support of the social order excluded many of the wealthy middle classes from joining the rank of nobility. The largest social group were the peasants that made up 85 percent of Europe's population. Peasants and serfs were often forced to toil away on farms located on their lord's estate. Peasants ate mainly dark bread and potatoes. In contrast, the nobility was only 2-3 percent of the population and dominated society. They had the right to be involved in government and would often flaunt their lifestyle. The differences between the two social classes were wide and often unbridgeable.
Political History:
In the restoration period a lot of changes were happening to Europe, especially England. As Charles II took the throne in 1660, Great Britain was changing rapidly as culture began to evolve. There was a major political and cultural upheaval as a result of the cultural shift. In 1660 Charles II was restored to the throne and one order of his business was to reopen theaters that were closed down some time before. Change once again happened when England and Scotland were united after a forty-seven year split and became one nation known as Great Britain.
Many monarchs of the time period followed the path of "enlightened absolutism". This method helped to foster the belief in government reforms that applied to the social aspects of society.
Religious History:
Religiously this time was very turbulent also. The enlightenment hit the church between the eyes:
"The enlightenment, as the 18th century is most frequently termed, should be considered, first of all, as a continuation of the preceding century, with its spectacular advances in science and faith, based on these advances, in the powers of the human mind. On this accord the two centuries are often coupled together as the "Age of Reason"...Among the enlightened, religion was reduced to the easy commitments of deism, which assured that God was the supreme rationalist who inoculates morals as mathematicians established their postulates. Institutionalized religions were criticized for their dogmas and their superstition. God receded into the background while individual reason and conscience stepped forward." Because reason was regarded over faith the whole religious realm changed for England and this brought on new styles of writing and new ideas for literature.
Social History:
Theatres reopened after having been closed during the protectorship of Oliver Cromwell, Puritanism lost its momentum, and the bawdy 'Restoration comedy' became a recognizable genre. In addition, women were allowed to perform on stage for the first time. In Scotland, Episcopacy was reinstated.To celebrate the occasion and cement their diplomatic relations, the Dutch Republic presented Charles with the Dutch Gift, a fine collection of old master paintings, classical sculptures, furniture, and a yacht. Because of the change in culture and politics, the literature of this time also changed due to the change of target audience. Becoming more involved in industry, the target audience of literature changed. More and more people from the lower classs began to read Literature was not just brain candy for the high society mind, but the common folk had also become literate and began to read the same literature that was once considered too high class for them.Social status was still by social standing and heredity instead of wealth. This support of the social order excluded many of the wealthy middle classes from joining the rank of nobility. The largest social group were the peasants that made up 85 percent of Europe's population. Peasants and serfs were often forced to toil away on farms located on their lord's estate. Peasants ate mainly dark bread and potatoes. In contrast, the nobility was only 2-3 percent of the population and dominated society. They had the right to be involved in government and would often flaunt their lifestyle. The differences between the two social classes were wide and often unbridgeable.